Inspirational Celebrities of the Week: Audrey Hepburn and Heath Ledger

Everlasting Footprint promotes the celebration of life. Inspirational celebrities act as role models, helping us become who we aspire to be. They entertain us, educate us, instruct us, and enrich our lives.

Each week, we celebrate the lives of inspirational celebrities who are celebrating a birth or death anniversary.

Inspirational Celebrity #1: Audrey Hepburn (died Jan 20, 1993)

It is rare that an actress is referred to as “magical.” That goes beyond the norm of talented or beautiful. But Audrey Hepburn lived her career outside the norm. She was a combination of grace, ability, charm, beauty, poise, and of course, magic. From her big “doe” eyes to a lithe body full of elegant movement, Hepburn was unforgettable. She wanted to be a ballet dancer. Her walk was graceful, her voice lilting, her accent charming. She was absolutely chic without appearing to try. Before becoming an actress, Hepburn modeled, and it was obvious in her posture and movement.

Naturally slender, Audrey Hepburn wore every outfit on the screen to set new style standards. The famous black Givenchy dress that she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s became such an iconic design that when auctioned for charity it brought in over $900,000. She could look charming dressed as a street urchin in My Fair Lady, or as a princess in Roman Holiday. Hepburn appealed to men and women alike, showcasing intelligence and sensuality at the same time.

Always keeping an air of innocence around her, Hepburn simultaneously was no one’s patsy. She was fresh faced, but portrayed her roles convincingly and completely. A joy to watch on screen, she is so memorable to this day because of her real beauty and a gifted acting. She was the epitome of Hollywood glamour: elegant and stylish. Portraying classic roles, Audrey Hepburn still sets the standard for being classy while also connecting with her audience on a human level.

We miss you, Ms. Hepburn!

Inspirational Celebrity #2: Heath Ledger (died Jan 22, 2008)

Picture after picture abounds of Heath Ledger with his daughter, Matilda. Taking a leave from acting, Ledger was the primary caretaker of his daughter while she was a toddler. Ledger said about his time spent with his daughter in People Magazine, “My life right now is … I wouldn’t say reduced to food … but my duties in life are that I wake up, cook breakfast, clean the dishes, prepare lunch, clean those dishes, go to the market, get fresh produce, cook dinner, clean those dishes and then sleep if I can … I love it … I actually adore it.” He was an active, proud father.

Photographs show Matilda clinging to Ledger’s leg, the father pushing his daughter in a stroller, and Ledger carrying the little girl in a car seat. All the real things everyday dads do. He was a doting father. In an interview with In Touch Weekly , he said, “Having a child changes every aspect of your life — for the better, of course. The sacrifices are large, but what you get in return is even bigger than the sacrifices you make. I feel, in a sense, ready to die because you are living on in your child. Not literally, not ready to die — but you know, that sort of feeling in a profound way.”

Ledger had the best of both worlds: he experienced success in his career and appreciation from his fans, and in his personal life, he had Matilda. As a parent, Ledger had his priorities, and he put his daughter first. He often stated that she meant the world to him – so much so that he put his career on hold to spend time with his precious girl. That’s a rarity amongst celebrity and non-celebrity dads alike, and truly a reason for remembering how special he was.

We will always remember your influence, Heath.

Visit the Everlasting Footprints of inspirational celebrities like Heath Ledger and Audrey Hepburn. Become a Collaborator and share your own stories and memories of the loved ones in your life.

About Cortni Merritt

Managing Editor, Cortni Merritt, MA, reads everything she comes across. She has degrees in both psychology and English, and has been a composition instructor, and a copywriter for lawyers, a coordinator at a dating service, and a property manager of apartments. Cortni makes it her mission to read people's stories.